Comments on: TSA gets new badges and uniforms — but will it also get respect?

By: Dana

Dana — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:42:21 +0000

I think it’s great that TSA Officers are getting real DHS badges, a badge is a representation of the agency you work for and its an honor to have the badge. Law Enforcement is Law Enforcement weather yor a Corrections Officer ,or a Police officer. TSA is a Federal Law Enforcement Agency that enforces federal and state laws, and protects our countries airports. TSA is a Law Enforcement agency and I feel they should be treated with the same repect that local and state police get.

By: Jake Smith

Jake Smith — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:05:19 +0000

I agree with Bill R – fly out of Kansas City (MCI) every month or two, and the TSA screeners have been nothing but courteous and professional on every occasion, even when I set off the metal detectors and received (as deserved) additional screening via the wand. Of course, I’m also polite in the first place, just as I expect to be treated while I’m at work, so I may be in the minority of the travelling population by believing you reap what you sow, and not everyone was put on this planet to *serve* me – they’re just doing their jobs, so cut them some slack.

By: chris

chris — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:01:04 +0000

TSA is a joke organization with no real power, hence the “bully” factor they’ve self-granted. As ive traveled both domestic and international, I can honestly say that other countries(esp. in the UK and EU) airport police and agencies of this matter have struck both a balance of vigiliance and respectfulness of the traveler, unlike this organization, which is staffed with a decent number of the same morons who worked the airport pre 9/11. The only problem now is they have “power”

By: John F

John F — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:41:42 +0000

Overall they are ok at best. Once in PHL, I was on my way back from MBJ with flip flops on. They were not requiring shoes to be off and I requested that I be allowed to go thru the grimy floor without taking my flips off. Well, this one TSA got all belligerent and claimed I was uncooperative and then I got the secondary screening (without taking my shoes off).

I was not in a hurry, but the floor was gross, so it was cool by me. After I passed the wanding I went o my way and the TSA guy had run down the concourse to catch me and said “next time I guess you’ll listen when we tell you to do something huh?” To which I replied “don’t take those odds.” and went on my way.

Another time from SMF to BWI my flight was canceled and United was able to get me on one leaving in literally 10 minutes. I breezed thru security (no checked bags) and forgot my Palm was in my pocket. I explained the situation and asked if I could take the Palm out and re-pass and was told no. I explained about the flight and he said too bad. Called for secondary screening and the only secondary screener was just coming off break. He was 103 years old, walking with a limp and moving so slow. When he finally got there, he wanted to talk all about my flight and where I was going. They were paging me and he was just not moving. Finally, set free, I bolted down the concourse only to see the door being shut and a gate agent unwilling to re-open it for me..I don’t blame her.

Honestly giving these guys real metal badges will open the world to a whole bunch of trouble!

By: Bill R

Bill R — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:18:24 +0000

Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t think of a time that the TSA people have been out of line or doing anything other than their jobs. Maybe there are two sides to every confrontation story. I have observed that some small percentage of airline passengers are insecure, arrogant individuals that feel they must try and show their self-perceived importance.

The same holds true for flight attendants – never had a problem.
Same for gate agents – never had a problem.

I fly less frequently than some but more than most.